Written by Vaclav Koranda

Background Check: How to Spot Issues and Fix Them

At one of my previous companies, we once discovered by chance that one of our employees had a four-year gap in his resume before joining us. This gap went unnoticed for many years. Upon further investigation, we learned that he had spent that time in prison. Despite that, he had been with our company for over ten years—his performance was above average and he never had any disciplinary issues. Would we have hired him if the recruiter had discovered his prison record beforehand? That is a very good question…

Introduction

A background check is a common part of the job application process. Employers use it to verify your qualifications, employment history, and sometimes even your character. They want to evaluate the risk you might present if they hire you. Therefore, if any issues arise during a background check, it can mean you lose the job opportunity. The good news is that not every issue is a dealbreaker. What often matters more is how you address and explain it. In this article, I will explore what you can do if you find yourself facing a background check problem.

Understanding Background Checks

Typical background check includes:

  • Employment Verification: Confirming your previous roles, companies, and periods of employment.
  • Education and Certification Verification: Confirming your academic qualifications, certificates, and diplomas.
  • Criminal Records: Checking for any convictions or other legal issues.
  • Credit History: Checking for issues with your finances—such as overwhelming debt obligations or past defaults (usually for roles in finance or for positions that require a high level of fiduciary responsibility).
  • Driving Records: Checking for driving offenses (for jobs that require driving as part of the role).
  • Online Presence: Reviewing your social media and other online footprints to see if they align with your resume, and check for any signs of extremist views or affiliations with semi-legal or illegal movements.

Being aware of what employers are looking for can help you anticipate potential red flags and take action before these issues become a barrier.

Obvious and Less Obvious Background Check Issues

Obviously, if you faked your diploma, lied about your employment history, or hid a corpse in your basement, these issues might crop up during a background check and present a problem for your job search. However, there may also be less obvious issues that could affect your background check—ones you might not have thought of. They may include:

  • Inaccurate, Missing, or Outdated Records: Errors or incomplete public or education institutions records, missing employment records, employers or institutions that no longer exist.
  • Minor Legal Issues: A past light misdemeanor you have long forgotten or a case that has been settled but still appears in your records.
  • Mismatched Information: Discrepancies, such as variations in name spellings, date formats, or addresses, might raise questions or even cause your background check to fail.

All these are merely administrative issues (you did nothing wrong), but your background check may be stuck—or at least severely delayed—because of them.

How to Prevent Background Check Problems

Before you start applying for jobs, take these steps—even if you aren’t particularly concerned about potential background check issues:

  • Review your social media and online footprints: Remove any content that might be considered controversial or that could damage your professional image and hireability ((for example, posts about visits to adult entertainment venues or pictures of you at the beach with the caption ‘On medical leave today’).
  • Examine your financial records: Check your credit card balances, mortgage, loans, tax file, social security, health insurance, or any other relevant financial commitments applicable in your country. Make sure you have no overdue payments.
  • Consider record expungement: If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, you might be able to have it expunged from your record after some time—depending on the legal regulations in your country.

How to Address Background Check Problems

Employers rarely perform background checks on their own; they usually hire a third-party provider to do it on their behalf, so that is the body you should address your concerns to. If you know or suspect you have an issue with your background check, consider taking these steps:

  1. Request a Copy of Your Report: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to see the report used by your prospective employer. Obtain a copy so you can review it for any errors or issues.
  2. Review and Verify the Details: Carefully examine the report. Note any inaccuracies, outdated information, or discrepancies. Keep notes and gather supporting documentation where possible.
  3. File a Dispute for Erroneous Information: If you identify errors, contact the agency that produced your report. Provide evidence to support your claims. Agencies are often legally obligated to investigate and correct mistakes.

If you’re not entirely sure whether there are any issues, but you have a gut feeling that something might be wrong, consider asking one of these background check agencies to review your record and see what results come up.

If your issue turns out to be real, there is still no need to throw in the towel. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare Your Narrative: If the issue is accurate but minor, develop a concise explanation you can share with potential employers. It is best to address these problems proactively during the interview process—after you’ve established your qualifications but before the employer contacts the background check agency. Focus on what you’ve learned and the steps you’ve taken to rectify the situation.
  2. Bolster Your Application: Where possible, counterbalance any negative aspects with additional positive evidence about your suitability for the job. This can include strong letters of recommendation, certifications, or work achievements that underscore your value as a candidate. Ideally, get a strong recommendation through your network (read more here: The Power of Networking)
  3. Consult a Professional: If the problem is significant—such as serious legal or credit issues—it might be wise to seek advice from a legal professional or career advisor who can guide you on the next steps.

Conclusion

Problems with background checks can be daunting, but they are not an insurmountable barrier to your career success. Addressing potential issues beforehand—by reviewing your past, detecting potential errors, and preparing a well-considered narrative—can help mitigate its impact. Remember, honesty may go a long way. By proactively explaining problematic areas, you show integrity and an ability to face challenges head-on. Employers should appreciate your candor and your commitment to resolving past issues. In the competitive job market, how you bounce back is often as important as your past achievements.

Good luck!

You May Also Like:

Do you want to get new posts directly to your mailbox? Subscribe here.

Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!

Leave a comment